Used 2023 Subaru Forester for Sale near Alberta

How much does the 2023 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 10.33% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 229 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory for you to compare.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Subaru Forester earns a 4.6/5 user rating and a 7.3/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its safety features, reliable performance, and overall value, and many also like the smooth driving experience and comfortable interior. The Forester is especially appealing if you want AWD capability and a rugged design for outdoor use.

The trade-offs are familiar: the engine is underwhelming, and the CVT and limited power can leave you wanting more. In practical terms, this is a smart fit if you value everyday usefulness over excitement.

29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.6/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe it as reliable and dependable, with a reputation for trouble-free ownership and strong long-term value. The expert review also points to good reliability over time and notes that the Forester’s practical, all-wheel-drive setup supports confidence in daily use.

That said, used buyers should still watch for signs of hard use, especially if the vehicle has seen frequent winter driving or outdoor-duty mileage.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Subaru Forester?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim misses blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trims add more convenience and safety equipment. The Premier trim adds upscale interior touches, while the Wilderness is the most rugged-looking and most off-road-focused version.
• Powertrain: Every Forester uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. It is tuned for confidence and everyday usability rather than strong acceleration, and there is no turbocharged or electrified option.
• Safety package: EyeSight is standard, with adaptive cruise control included. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not available on the Base trim, and models with blind-spot monitoring add Automatic Emergency Steering.
• Infotainment: The Base trim gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, Starlink connected services, and a CD player. An 8-inch touchscreen is available, along with navigation and Harman Kardon audio.
• Fuel efficiency: The expert review records 9.1 L/100 km on its testing route, versus an official combined rating of 8.2 L/100 km.

Which 2023 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2023 Subaru Forester is offered in 6 trim levels: Base, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core Forester formula with standard all-wheel drive and the basic infotainment setup. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model, but you give up blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Touring: This trim adds more comfort and convenience than the Base, making it a better fit if you want a more polished daily driver without chasing the top end.
• Sport: This is the best-value choice if you want more equipment and the added X-Mode Deep Snow and Mud settings. It is the trim where the safety package expands beyond the Base.
• Wilderness: Choose this if you want the most rugged Forester character, with all-terrain tyres and extra off-road capability.
• Limited: This trim adds more upscale features and includes the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.
• Premier: This is the most premium-feeling version, with the best-looking exterior treatment, brown leather trim, an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and Harman Kardon audio.

The safety package expands beyond the Base trim, and the Limited and Premier trims add DriverFocus.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Subaru Forester?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 229 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.33% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $29,589 CAD, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $30,044 CAD sits slightly below last year's $33,507 CAD.

That softer pricing suggests the market has become more favourable for buyers, but it also means future sellers may need to be realistic about expectations. If you buy now, you may be entering at a lower price point than owners saw a year ago, which can help reduce depreciation pressure.

The Forester’s practical reputation and strong owner satisfaction should help support demand when it is time to sell. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.6/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester safe?

The 2023 Subaru Forester earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and five-star ratings across the board from NHTSA, plus a four-star rollover resistance rating.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

EyeSight is the standard driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are unavailable on the Base trim but standard on all other trims, and models with blind-spot monitoring add Automatic Emergency Steering.

The main caveat is that IIHS gave it an Acceptable rating in side impact protection and a Marginal rating in small-overlap frontal testing, so its crashworthiness is not flawless.

Should I buy a 2023 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.33% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Expert or safety highlight specific to this year from the 2023 model’s updated EyeSight system and improved standard infotainment.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,175 CAD, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $30,044 CAD average.
• It adds fresh design details, upgraded EyeSight technology, and the new Wilderness variant.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of current pricing, strong owner satisfaction, and updated safety tech, the 2023 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is worth a look, especially if you want the Wilderness angle.

How does the 2023 Subaru Forester compare to the 2023 Honda CR-V?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2023 Subaru Forester:

• Pros: Standard all-wheel drive, Spacious interior, Exceptionally practical.
• Cons: Underwhelming engine, Poor voice recognition, Uncomfortable back seat.

2023 Honda CR-V:

• Pros: Comfortable, Plenty of cargo space, Great ride and handling.
• Cons: Irritating transmission, Uninspired styling, Lacks technological innovation.

Our experts score the 2023 Subaru Forester 7.3/10 and the 2023 Honda CR-V 7.8/10. The Forester is the more practical choice if you want standard all-wheel drive and a straightforward cabin. The CR-V looks stronger on comfort and ride quality, while the Forester counters with a more utility-first personality.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.